Pictured, from left, are Town Marshal Ben Sanders and Deputy Marshal Randy Bays.

CLAYPOOL — The Claypool Town Council began its meeting March 19 by remembering Larry Neher, a town council member.

Neher, who passed away on March 11, served on the Claypool Fire Department for 34 years and was a part of the Claypool Lions Club. He also served numerous terms as a Claypool Town Council member.

“He was a huge part of our community,” said Council President Niki Miller. “It’s going to be very difficult to fill his shoes in the community, period. We’re going to miss him greatly.”

Kosciusko County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan will appoint a new Claypool Town Council member at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office. The appointee will serve the remainder of Neher’s term.

“We would like to express our sympathy to the family and friends of Larry Neher, and we are grateful for his years of service to the citizens of Claypool,” said Ragan.

Eligible applicants for the vacant council position must be a resident of the southern district of the Claypool area, a Republican in good standing and must not have a felony in their history.

In other business, the council is currently looking into adopting a demolition policy for buildings. The town has two condemned residences. Habitat for Humanity may potentially build new houses on the land where the buildings currently stand.

The council agreed to look into adopting a demolition policy for the town.

For the month of February, the Claypool Police Department responded to 210 calls for service. Reserve officers put in a combined total of 188 hours. Town Marshal Ben Sanders reported to the council that a deer ran into the side of his squad vehicle Monday, March 18. Repairs to the vehicle are set to be completed next week.

The council also approved wastewater bill adjustments for a South Graceland Avenue residence in the amount of $80.66 and a South Main Street apartment in the amount of $104.06.

The next Claypool Town Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16.